[Obesity Discussion]

Originally Posted by grneggs

thank you guys so much for all the support... and thanks for some good advise... i go through these ups and downs... i'm feeling much better today.... i really really really want it... i want that healthy lifestyle. i want to be healthy. I am thinking only positive thoughts.. whenever a negative pops up... i knock it down.. .because i'm bringing not only my motivation and self worth down, i'm making others unhappy too... i started writing everything down. i have for the past week and a half. i write down every little thing that goes in my mouth. i haven't changed any eating habbits, but i'm just starting to get an idea as to how much i take in... and its a lot of unhealthy food. i have also realized that i need professional help with my depression. most of the time i'm sad about something... and i think i'll go see a therapist and see what they'll say. i have so many things that i need to get out of my system.
once, i saw a therapist.. and she suggested i go on antidepressants. but i never did.. but it may not be such a bad idea. i don't know.. i'll have to discuss that with the new therapist. i will achieve my goal... if i didn't want this, i wouldn't even be here... i really do want it.. and i am going to get it.
thank you all for all the loving suggestions and support. you guys are the best.

Writing things down is a great start. Good work. If you are an emotional eater, then anti-depressants may work.

Originally Posted by mclintst

Hi grneggs,

I have a couple of things that might help you and your situation.

I like you, was addicted to fast food. Mcdonalds was my drug of choice. I had it 3-5 times a week. I knew it was sooooo bad for me and I think that was part of the appeal of it.

Cutting out the junk and fast food right away will just set you up for failure down the road. Instead try reducing the number of time you eat it. If you are having it 4-5 per week, cut it back to 1-2 for the first few weeks. Also when you do eat out, order a hamburger instead of the big mac (ask for it with mac sauce) it tastes the same but you save a ton of calories.

As for the "junk" ie. cookies, chips and chocolate. If you absolutely can't resist it try the "earn it or burn it" approach. If you want to eat those 300 calories you need to burn those calories first through exercise. When you start equating a 500 calorie bag of chips to an hour and a half of brisk walking, suddenly those chips don't look too appealing anymore.

Exercise is great for depression. Start off slow, a 20 minute walk will do wonders. It gives you a chance to clear your head and realize that "hey, I've done something good for myself today".

You've built up those poor eating and exercise habits over a long time and it might take you a while to change them for good. When you do though it is so worth it, I truly can't express in words how good it feels. Just keep at it and you'll get there.

I am new to this place as well, but there are alot of supportive people here that will help you up if you fall. Hopefully I can be one of them.

Lastly, Congrats on that 1 pound weight loss. You should really own that. It's not just a pound, its the first of many more to come off.

Take care,
Steve.

Excellent post.